Chapter 23

Revision of complex numbers

At the end of this chapter you should be able to:
• define a complex number
• understand the Argand diagram
• perform calculations on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in Cartesian and polar forms
• use De Moivre’s theorem for powers and roots of complex numbers

23.1 Introduction

A complex number is of the form (a + jb) where a is

a real number and jb is an imaginary number. Hence
(1 + j 2) and (5 − j 7) are examples of complex numbers.
√
By definition, j = −1 and j 2 = −1

Complex numbers are widely used in the analysis of

series, parallel and series-parallel electrical networks
supplied by alternating voltages (see Chapters 24 to
26), in deriving balance equations with a.c. bridges (see
Chapter 27), in analysing a.c. circuits using Kirchhoff’s
laws (Chapter 30), mesh and nodal analysis (Chap-
ter 31), the superposition theorem (Chapter 32), with
Thévenin’s and Norton’s theorems (Chapter 33) and
with delta-star and star-delta transforms (Chapter 34)
Figure 23.1 The Argand diagram
and in many other aspects of higher electrical engineer-
ing. The advantage of the use of complex numbers is that
the manipulative processes become simply algebraic drawn as a phasor horizontally to the right of the origin
processes. on the real axis. (Such a phasor could represent, for
A complex number can be represented pictorially example, an alternating current, i = 4 sin ωt amperes,
on an Argand diagram. In Figure 23.1, the line 0A when time t is zero.)
represents the complex number (2 + j 3), 0B represents The number j 4 (i.e. 0 + j 4) is shown in Figure 23.2(b)
(3 − j ), 0C represents (−2 + j 2) and 0D represents drawn vertically upwards from the origin on the imag-
(−4 − j 3). inary axis. Hence multiplying the number 4 by the
A complex number of the form a + jb is called a operator j results in an anticlockwise phase-shift of 90◦
Cartesian or rectangular complex number. The without altering its magnitude.
significance of the j operator is shown in Figure 23.2. Multiplying j 4 by j gives j 24, i.e. −4, and is shown
In Figure 23.2(a) the number 4 (i.e. 4 + j 0) is shown in Figure 23.2(c) as a phasor four units long on the
DOI: 10.1016/B978-1-85617-770-2.00023-9
 336 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

the vertical, imaginary axis downward from the origin

— an anticlockwise phase-shift of 90◦ compared with
the position shown in Figure 23.2(c).
Multiplying j 34 by j gives j 44, i.e. 4, which is the
original position of the phasor shown in Figure 23.2(a).
Summarizing, application of the operator j to any
number rotates it 90◦ anticlockwise on the Argand
diagram, multiplying a number by j 2 rotates it 180◦
anticlockwise, multiplying a number by j 3 rotates it
270◦ anticlockwise and multiplication by j 4 rotates it
360◦ anticlockwise, i.e. back to its original position. In
each case the phasor is unchanged in its magnitude.
By similar reasoning, if a phasor is operated on by
− j then a phase shift of −90◦ (i.e. clockwise direction)
occurs, again without change of magnitude.
In electrical circuits, 90◦ phase shifts occur between
voltage and current with pure capacitors and inductors;
this is the key as to why j notation is used so much in
the analysis of electrical networks. This is explained in
Chapter 24.

23.2 Operations involving Cartesian

complex numbers

(a) Addition and subtraction

(a + jb) + (c + jd) = (a + c) + j (b +d)

and (a + jb) − (c + jd) = (a − c) + j (b −d)
Thus, (3 + j 2) +(2 − j 4) = 3 + j 2 +2 − j 4 =5 − j2
and (3 + j 2) −(2 − j 4) = 3 + j 2 −2 + j 4 =1 + j6
Part 3

(b) Multiplication

(a + j b)(c + j d) = ac + a( j d) + ( j b)c + ( j b)( j d)

= ac + j ad + j bc + j 2bd
But j 2 = −1, thus
(a + j b)(c + j d) = (ac − bd) + j (ad + bc)
For example,
(3 + j 2)(2 − j 4) = 6 − j 12 + j 4 − j 28
Figure 23.2
= (6 − (−1)8) + j (−12 + 4)

horizontal real axis to the left of the origin — an = 14 + j (−8) = 14 − j8

anticlockwise phase-shift of 90◦ compared with the
position shown in Figure 23.2(b). Thus multiplying by
(c) Complex conjugate
j 2 reverses the original direction of a phasor.
Multiplying j 24 by j gives j 34, i.e. − j 4, and is The complex conjugate of (a + jb) is (a − jb). For
shown in Figure 23.2(d) as a phasor four units long on example, the conjugate of (3 − j 2) is (3 + j 2).
 Revision of complex numbers 337

The product of a complex number and its complex Z1 Z2 41 + j 23 (41 + j 23)(9 − j 4)

conjugate is always a real number, and this is an impor- Hence = =
Z1 + Z2 9 + j4 (9 + j 4)(9 − j 4)
tant property used when dividing complex numbers.
Thus 369 − j 164 + j 207 − j 292
=
92 + 42
(a + jb)(a − jb) = a 2 − jab + jab − j 2b2
= a 2 − (−b 2 ) 369 − j 164 + j 207 + 92
=
97
= a 2 + b2 (i.e. a real number)
(1 + j 2)(1 − j 2) = 12 + 22 = 5 461 + j 43
For example, = = 4.753 + j 0.443
97
and (3 − j 4)(3 + j 4) = 32 + 42 = 25
Z1 Z2
(d) Division Thus + Z 3 = (4.753 + j 0.443) +(3.9 − j 6.7)
Z1 + Z2
The expression of one complex number divided by = 8.65 − j6.26, correct to two
another, in the form a + jb, is accomplished by multi- decimal places.
plying the numerator and denominator by the complex
conjugate of the denominator. This has the effect of
making the denominator a real number. Hence, for
example, Problem 2. Given Z 1 = 3 + j 4 and Z 2 = 2 − j 5
determine in Cartesian form correct to three
2 + j 4 2 + j 4 3 + j 4 6 + j 8 + j 12+ j 216 decimal places:
= × =
3 − j4 3 − j4 3 + j4 32 + 42
1 1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) + (d)
6 + j 8 + j 12− 16 Z1 Z2 Z1 Z2 (1/Z 1 ) + (1/Z 2 )
=
25
−10 + j 20
= 1 1 3 − j4 3 − j4
25 (a) = = =
Z1 3 + j 4 (3 + j 4)(3 − j 4) 32 + 42
−10 20
= + j or
25 25 3 − j4 3 4
= = −j = 0.120 − j0.160
− 0.4 + j0.8 25 25 25

The elimination of the imaginary part of the denomin- 2+ j5 2 + j5

Part 3
1 1
ator by multiplying both the numerator and denominator (b) = = =
Z2 2 − j 5 (2 − j 5)(2 + j 5) 22 + 52
by the conjugate of the denominator is often termed
‘rationalizing’. 2 + j5 2 5
= = +j = 0.069 + j0.172
29 29 29
Problem 1. In an electrical circuit the total
impedance Z T is given by 1 1
(c) + = (0.120 − j 0.160) + (0.069 + j 0.172)
Z1 Z2
Z1 Z2
ZT = + Z3
Z1 + Z2 = 0.189 + j0.012
Determine Z T in (a + jb) form, correct to two
decimal places, when Z 1 = 5 − j 3, Z 2 = 4 + j 7 and 1 1
(d) =
Z 3 = 3.9 − j 6.7 (1/Z 1 ) + (1/Z 2 ) 0.189 + j 0.012

0.189 − j 0.012
=
Z 1 Z 2 = (5 − j 3)(4 + j 7) = 20 + j 35 − j 12 − j 221 (0.189 + j 0.012)(0.189 − j 0.012)
= 20 + j 35 − j 12 + 21 = 41 + j 23 0.189 − j 0.012
=
Z 1 + Z 2 = (5 − j 3) + (4 + j 7) = 9 + j 4 0.1892 + 0.0122
 338 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

0.189 − j 0.012
= 10. In an electrical circuit the equivalent
0.03587
impedance Z is given by
0.189 j 0.012
= − Z2 Z3
0.03587 0.03587 Z = Z1 +
Z2 + Z3
= 5.269 − j0.335 Determine Z is rectangular form, correct to
two decimal places, when Z 1 = 5.91 + j 3.15,
Z 2 = 5 + j 12 and Z 3 = 8 − j 15
Now try the following exercise [Z = 21.62 + j 8.39]
11. Given Z 1 = 5 − j 9 and Z 2 = 7 + j 2, deter-
Exercise 93 Further problems on operations mine in (a + jb) form, correct to four decimal
involving Cartesian complex places
numbers
1 1 1 1 1
In problems 1 to 5, evaluate in a + jb form assum- (a) (b) (c) + (d)
Z1 Z2 Z1 Z2 (1/Z 1 ) + (1/Z 2 )
ing that Z 1 = 2 + j 3, Z 2 = 3 − j 4, Z 3 = −1 + j 2
and Z 4 = −2 − j 5
[(a) 0.0472 + j 0.0849 (b) 0.1321 − j 0.0377
1. (a) Z 1 − Z 2 (b) Z 2 + Z 3 − Z 4 (c) 0.1793 + j 0.0472 (d) 5.2158 − j 1.3731]
[(a) −1 + j 7 (b) 4 + j 3]
2. (a) Z 1 Z 2 (b) Z3 Z 4 [(a) 18 + j (b) 12 + j ]
3. (a) Z 1 Z 3 Z 4 (b) Z 2 Z 3 + Z 4
[(a) 21 + j 38 (b) 3 + j 5] 23.3 Complex equations
Z1 Z1 + Z2
4. (a) (b) If two complex numbers are equal, then their real parts
Z2 Z3 + Z4
  are equal and their imaginary parts are equal. Hence, if
6 17 2 a + jb =c + jd then a = c and b = d. This is a useful prop-
(a) − + j (b) − + j
25 25 3 erty, since equations having two unknown quantities can
Z1 Z2 Z2 be solved from one equation. Complex equations are
5. (a) (b) Z 1 + + Z4 used when deriving balance equations with a.c. bridges
Z1 + Z2 Z3
  (see Chapter 27).
89 23 11 12
(a) +j (b) − − j
26 26 5 5
Part 3

Problem 3. Solve the following complex

  equations:
(1 + j )2 − (1 − j )2
6. Evaluate [4]
j (a) 3(a + jb) =9 − j 2
7. If Z 1 = 4 − j 3 and Z 2 = 2 + j evaluate x and (b) (2 + j )(−2 + j ) =x + jy
y given
(c) (a − j 2b) +(b − j 3a) =5 + j 2
1 1
x + jy= +
Z1 − Z2 Z1 Z2 (a) 3(a + jb) =9 − j 2. Thus 3a + j 3b =9 − j 2
[x = 0.188, y = 0.216]
Equating real parts gives: 3a = 9, i.e. a =3
2− j 1
8. Evaluate (a) (1 + j )4 (b) (c) Equating imaginary parts gives:
2+ j 2 + j3
  3b = −2, i.e. b = −2/3
3 4 2 3
(a) −4 (b) − j (c) −j
5 5 13 13
(b) (2 + j )(−2 + j ) =x + jy
1 + j3
9. If Z = evaluate Z 2 in a + jb form.
1 − j2 Thus −4 + j 2 − j 2 + j 2 = x + j y
[0 − j 2]
−5 + j 0 = x + j y
 Revision of complex numbers 339

Equating real and imaginary parts gives: x = −5,

y=0 2. (3 + j 4)(2 − j 3) =x + jy [x = 18, y = −1]
3. (a − j 3b) +(b − j 2a) =4 + j 6
(c) (a − j 2b) +(b − j 3a) =5 + j 2 [a = 18, b = −14]
Thus (a + b) + j (−2b − 3a) = 5 + j 2 √
4. 5 + j 2 = (e + j f ) [e = 21, f = 20]
Hence a+b = 5 (1) 5. An equation derived from an a.c. bridge circuit
is given by
and −2b − 3a = 2 (2)     
−j j R4 (− j /(ωC4 ))
(R3 ) = Rx −
We have two simultaneous equations to solve. ωC1 ωC x R4 − ( j /(ωC4 ))
Multiplying equation (1) by (2) gives:
Components R3 , R4 , C1 and C4 have known
2a + 2b = 10 (3) values. Determine expressions for Rx and C x
in terms of the known components.
Adding equations (2) and (3) gives −a = 12, i.e.  
R3 C4 C1 R4
a = −12 Rx = , Cx =
C1 R3
From equation (1), b =17

Problem 4. An equation derived from an a.c.

bridge network is given by 23.4 The polar form of a complex
  number
1
R1 R3 = (R2 + j ωL 2)
(1/R4 ) + j ωC In Figure 23.3(a), Z = x + j y =r cos θ + j r sin θ
R1 , R3 , R4 and C4 are known values. Determine from trigonometry,
expressions for R2 and L 2 in terms of the known =r(cos θ + j sin θ)
components.
∠θ, and
This latter form is usually abbreviated to Z = r∠
is called the polar form of a complex number.
Multiplying both sides of the equation by (1/R4 + jωC4 ) r is called the modulus (or magnitude of Z ) and
gives is written as mod Z or |Z |. r is determined from
(R1 R3 )(1/R4 + j ωC4) = R2 + j ωL 2 Pythagoras’ theorem on triangle OAZ, i.e.

Part 3
i.e. R1 R3 /R4 + jR 1 R3 ωC4 = R2 + j ωL 2 √ 2
|Z| = r = (x + y2)
Equating the real parts gives: R2 = R1 R3/R4
Equating the imaginary parts gives: The modulus is represented on the Argand diagram by
the distance OZ. θ is called the argument (or amplitude)
ωL 2 = R1 R3 ωC4 , from which, L2 = R1 R3 C 4 of Z and is written as arg Z . θ is also deduced from
triangle OAZ: arg Z = θ = tan−1 y/x.
For example, the Cartesian complex number
 (3 + j 4)
Now try the following exercise
is equal to r∠θ in polar form, where r = (32 + 42) = 5
4
Exercise 94 Further problems on complex and θ = tan−1 = 53.13◦
3
equations
Hence (3 +j4) =5∠ ∠53.13◦
In problems 1 to 4 solve the given complex Similarly, (−3 + j 4) is shown in Figure 23.3(b),
equations:  4
  where r = (32 + 42 ) = 5, θ  = tan −1 = 53.13◦
7 3 3
1. 4(a + jb) =7 − j 3 a = ,b=− and θ = 180◦ − 53.13◦ = 126.87◦
4 4
∠126.87◦
Hence (−3 +j4) =5∠
 340 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

R → P and P → R conversion facility which is available

on most calculators with scientific notation. This allows,
of course, a saving of time.

Problem 5. Convert 5∠−132◦ into a + jb form

correct to four significant figures.

Figure 23.4 indicates that the polar complex number

5∠−132◦ lies in the third quadrant of the Argand
diagram.

Figure 23.3

Figure 23.4
23.5 Multiplication and division using
complex numbers in polar form Using trigonometrical ratios,
x = 5 cos 48◦ = 3.346 and y = 5 sin 48◦ = 3.716
(a) Multiplication
∠−132◦ = −3.346 −j3.716
Hence 5∠
(r1∠ θ 1)(r2∠ θ 2) = r1 r2∠ (θ 1 + θ 2 ) Alternatively,
5∠−132◦ = 5(cos −132◦ + j sin −132◦ )
Part 3

Thus 3∠25◦ × 2∠32◦ = 6∠57◦,

4∠11◦ × 5∠−18◦ = 20∠−7◦, = 5 cos(−132◦) + j 5 sin(−132◦ )
2∠(π/3) × 7∠(π/6) = 14∠(π/2), and so on. = −3.346 − j3.716, as above.
With this latter method the real and imaginary parts are
(b) Division
obtained directly, using a calculator.
r1∠ θ 1 r1
= ∠ (θ 1 + θ 2 ) Problem 6. Two impedances in an electrical
r2∠ θ 2 r2
network are given by Z 1 = 4.7∠35◦ and
8∠58◦
Thus = 4∠47◦, Z 2 = 7.3∠ − 48◦. Determine in polar form the total
2∠11◦ impedance Z T given that Z T = Z 1 Z 2 /(Z 1 + Z 2 ).
9∠136◦
= 3∠(136◦ − −60◦)
3∠−60◦
Z 1 = 4.7∠35◦ = 4.7 cos 35◦ + j 4.7 sin35◦
= 3∠196◦ or 3∠−164◦,
10∠(π/2) = 3.85 + j 2.70
and = 2∠(3π/4), and so on.
5∠(−π/4)
Z 2 = 7.3∠−48◦ = 7.3 cos(−48◦) + j 7.3 sin(−48◦ )
Conversion from Cartesian or rectangular form to
polar form, and vice versa, may be achieved by using the = 4.88 − j 5.42
 Revision of complex numbers 341

Z 1 + Z 2 = (3.85 + j 2.70) + (4.88 − j 5.42)

7. (a) 8∠150◦ (b) 4.2∠−120◦ (c) 3.6∠−25◦
= 8.73 − j 2.72
  [(a) −6.928 + j 4.000
√ −1 −2.72 (b) −2.100 − j 3.637 (c) 3.263 − j 1.521]
= (8.73 + 2.72 )∠tan
2 2
8.73 In problems 8 to 10, evaluate in polar form.
◦
= 9.14∠−17.31 8. (a) 2∠40◦ × 5∠20◦ (b) 2.6∠72◦ × 4.3∠45◦
[(a) 10∠60◦ (b) 11.18∠117◦]
Hence
4.7∠35◦ × 7.3∠−48◦ 9. (a) 5.8∠35◦ ÷ 2∠−10◦
Z T = Z 1 Z 2 /(Z 1 + Z 2 ) = (b) 4∠30◦ × 3∠70◦ ÷ 2∠−15◦
9.14∠−17.31◦
[(a) 2.9∠45◦ (b) 6∠115◦]
4.7 × 7.3
= ∠[35◦ − 48◦ 4.1∠20◦ × 3.2∠−62◦
9.14 10. (a)
− (−17.31◦ )] 1.2∠150◦
(b) 6∠25◦ + 3∠−36◦ −4∠72◦
∠4.31◦ or 3.75∠
= 3.75∠ ∠4◦ 19
[(a) 10.93∠168◦ (b) 7.289∠−24◦ 35 ]
Now try the following exercise 11. Solve the complex equations, giving answers
correct to four significant figures.
Exercise 95 Further problems on the polar 12∠(π/2) × 3∠(3π/4)
form of complex numbers (a) =x + jy
2∠−(π/3)
In problems 1 and 2 determine the modulus and the (b) 15∠π/3 +12∠π/2 −6∠−π/3 =r∠θ
argument of each of the complex numbers given. [(a) x = 4.659, y = −17.387
1. (a) 3 + j 4 (b) 2 − j 5 (b) r = 30.52, θ = 81◦ 31 ]
[(a) 5, 53◦8 (b) 5.385, −68◦ 12 ] 12. The total impedance Z T of an electrical circuit
is given by
2. (a) −4 + j (b) −5 − j 3
[(a) 4.123, 165◦ 58 (b) 5.831, −149◦ 2 ] Z1 × Z2
ZT = + Z3
Z1 + Z2
In problems 3 and 4 express the given Cartesian
complex numbers in polar form, leaving answers Determine Z T in polar form correct to
in surd form. three significant figures when Z 1 = 3.2∠−56◦,
Z 2 = 7.4∠25◦ and Z 3 = 6.3∠62◦

Part 3
3. (a) 6 + j 5 (b) 3 − j 2 (c) −3 [6.61∠37.24◦]
√ √
[(a) 61∠39◦48 (b) 13∠−33◦ 41 13. A star-connected impedance Z 1 is given by
(c) 3∠180◦ or 3∠π]
ZAZB
4. (a) −5 + j (b) −4 − j 3 (c) − j 2 Z1 =
√ Z A + Z B + ZC
[(a) 26∠168◦41 (b) 5∠−143◦8
(c) 2∠−90◦ or 2∠−π/2] Evaluate Z 1, in both Cartesian and polar form,
given Z A = (20 + j 0), Z B = (0 − j 20) and
In problems 5 to 7 convert the given polar complex Z C = (10 + j 10)
numbers into (a + jb) form, giving answers correct [(4 − j 12) or 12.65∠−71.57◦ ]
to four significant figures.
14. The current I flowing in an impedance is given
5. (a) 6∠30◦ (b) 4∠60◦ (c) 3∠45◦ by
[(a) 5.196 + j 3.000 (b) 2.000 + j 3.464
(8∠60◦ )(10∠0◦ )
(c) 2.121 + j 2.121] I= A
(8∠60◦ + 5∠30◦)
6. (a) 2∠π/2 (b) 3∠π (c) 5∠(5π/6)
Determine the value of current in polar form,
[(a) 0 + j 2.000 (b) −3.000 + j 0 correct to two decimal places.
(c) −4.330 + j 2.500] [6.36∠11.46◦A]
 342 Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology

In Cartesian form,
15. A delta-connected impedance Z A is given by
609.3∠−101.55◦ = 609.3 cos(−101.55◦ )
Z1 Z2 + Z2 Z3 + Z3 Z1
ZA =
Z2 + j 609.3 sin(−101.55◦)
Determine Z A , in both Cartesian and = −122 − j597
polar form, given Z 1 = (10 + j 0),
Z 2 = (0 − j 10) and Z 3 = (10 + j 10) Problem 8. Determine the two square roots of the
[(10 + j 20), 22.36∠63.43◦] complex number (12 + j 5) in Cartesian and polar
form, correct to three significant figures. Show the
roots on an Argand diagram.

23.6 De Moivre’s theorem — powers √

In polar form 12 + j 5 = (122 + 52)∠tan −1(5/12),
and roots of complex numbers since 12 + j 5 is in the first quadrant of the Argand
diagram, i.e. 12 + j 5 =13∠22.62◦ .
De Moivre’s theorem, states: Since we are finding the square roots of 13∠22.62◦
∠θ ]n = r n∠ nθ
[r∠ there will be two solutions. To obtain the second
solution it is helpful to express 13∠22.62◦ also as
This result is true for all positive, negative or fractional 13∠(360◦ + 22.62◦), i.e. 13∠382.62◦ (we have merely
values of n. De Moivre’s theorem is thus useful in rotated one revolution to obtain this result). The reason
determining powers and roots of complex numbers. For for doing this is that when we divide the angles by 2 we
example, still obtain angles less than 360◦, as shown below.
[2∠15◦]6 = 26 ∠(6 × 15◦) = 64∠
∠90◦ = 0 + j64
√ √ √
A square root of a complex number is determined as Hence (12 + j 5) = [13∠22.62◦] or [13∠382.62◦]
follows: = [13∠22.62◦ ]1/2 or [13∠382.62◦]1/2
√  
[r∠θ] = [r∠θ]1/2 = r 1/2 ∠ 12 θ = 131/2∠ 12 × 22.62◦ or
However, it is important to realize that a real number has  
two square roots, equal in size but opposite in sign. On 131/2∠ 21 × 382.62◦
an Argand diagram the roots are 180◦ apart (see Problem from De Moivre’s theorem,
8 following). √ √
= 13∠11.31◦ or 13∠191.31◦
i.e. ∠11.31◦ or 3.61∠−
= 3.61∠ ∠−168.69◦
∠−
Part 3

Problem 7. Determine (−2 + j 3)5 in polar and in

Cartesian form.
√
These two solutions of (12 + j 5) are shown in the
Z = −2 + j 3 is situated in the second quadrant of the Argand diagram of Figure 23.5. 3.61∠11.31◦ is in the
Argand diagram. first quadrant of the Argand diagram.
√ √
Thus r = [(2)2 + (3)2 ] = 13 and α = tan −13/2 Thus 3.61∠11.31◦ = 3.61(cos11.31◦ + j sin 11.31◦)
= 56.31◦ =3.540 + j 0.708
Hence the argument θ = 180 − 56.31 = 123.69◦
◦ ◦
√
Thus −2 + j 3 in polar form is 13∠123.69◦
√
(−2 + j 3)5 = [ 13∠123.69◦]5 Imaginary
√ axis
= ( 13)5 ∠(5 × 123.69◦)
from De Moivre’s theorem j 0.708 3.61
⫺3.540 Real
11.31⬚
= 135/2∠618.45◦ 168.69⬚ 3.540 axis
3.61 ⫺j 0.708
= 135/2∠258.45◦
(since 618.45◦ ≡ 618.45◦ − 360◦ )
= 135/2∠−101.55◦ = 609.3∠
∠ − 101.55◦ Figure 23.5
 Revision of complex numbers 343

3.61∠−168.69◦ is in the third quadrant of the

Argand diagram. 3. (a) (4∠32◦)4 (b) (2∠125◦ )5
Thus 3.61∠−168.69◦ = 3.61[cos(−168.69◦) [(a) −157.6 + j 201.7; 256∠128◦
+ j sin(−168.69◦)] (b) −2.789 − j 31.88; 32∠−95◦]
= −3.540 − j 0.708.
4. (a) (3∠−π/3)3 (b) 1.5∠−160◦)4
Thus in Cartesian form the two roots are
±(3.540 + j 0.708). [(a) −27 + j 0; 27∠−π
(b) 0.8792 + j 4.986; 5.063∠80◦]
From the Argand diagram the roots are seen to be
180◦ apart, i.e. they lie on a straight line. This is always In problems 5 to 7, determine the two square
true when finding square roots of complex numbers. roots of the given complex numbers in Carte-
sian form and show the results on an Argand
diagram.
Now try the following exercise
5. (a) 2 + j (b) 3 − j 2 [(a) ±(1.455 + j 0.344)
(b) ±(1.818 − j 0.550)]
Exercise 96 Further problems on powers
and roots of complex numbers 6. (a) −3 + j 4 (b) −1 − j 3
[(a) ±(1 + j 2) (b) ±(1.040 − j 1.442)]
In problems 1 to 4, evaluate in Cartesian and in
polar form.
7. (a) 5∠36◦ (b) 14∠3π/2
1. (a) (2 + (b) (4 −
j 3)2 j 5)2 [(a) ±(2.127 + j 0.691)
[(a) −5 + j 12; 13∠112.62◦ (b) −9 − j 40; (b) ±(−2.646 + j 2.646)]
41∠−102.68◦]
2. (a) (−3 + j 2)5 (b) (−2 − j )3 8. Convert 2 − j into polar form and hence eval-
[(a) 597 + j 122; 609.3∠11.55◦ uate (2 − j )7 in polar form.
√
(b) −2 − j 11; 11.18∠−100.30◦ ] [ 5∠−26.57◦; 279.5∠174.04◦]

Part 3